All California courts use the same standard divorce papers and family law forms. There is a form for nearly all divorce or child custody issues. What forms to use, and how to fill them out can be complicated, but they are possible to complete without a family law attorney. However, be prepared to spend a significant amount of time researching the proper methods, language, and court process. If you choose to file your own divorce papers, the California Courts website will be an invaluable resource for information and guidance. You can also check out free family law forms here to get PDF copies of California Divorce Papers and Forms that you can fill-out electronically, save, and/or print. Download our FREE Self-Help Divorce Guide here if you want to print out this checklist. [heading size=”4″]Filing the Initial Divorce Papers[/heading] Step 1. Gather and fill out the following forms: FL-100 (marriage) or FL-103 (domestic partners) FL-110 FL-105 (only if you have minor children from the relationship you are dissolving) Step 2. Make copies of your forms. Step 3. Go to the courthouse, and file your originals and copies with the clerk. The clerk will stamp all your papers and give you back the copies. The court filing fees are $435. [heading size=”4″]Serve the Forms[/heading] Step 4. Gather the following forms: The stamped copies of the forms you filed in Step 3. FL-120 (marriage) or FL-123 (partner). Leave it blank. FL-117 (Include ONLY if your spouse is served via mail.) Leave it blank. Step 5. Serve your spouse or partner with the forms from step 4 (and optionally with the financial disclosure forms in Step 8.) by having another person who...